St. Joseph's Hospital Healing Garden

As part of its dedication to patient service, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, retained Ayres to assist in planning and constructing a healing garden next to the main entrance to the hospital.

Ayres conducted an initial analysis of the site, participated in focus group and advisory committee meetings, and worked with hospital representatives to create a final concept plan. When the plan was approved, Ayres prepared construction drawings. The design challenge was to separate the garden’s users from the parking area and driveways, which was accomplished with plantings of tall grasses. The garden creates a spot of respite for patients, visitors, and staff. The design requires minimal maintenance and includes low-water, hardy plants.

The project was named a finalist in the Vendome Healthcare Media Group’s 2013 Landscape Architecture Awards for Healthcare Environments program.

• Campuses: Education & Health Care
• Park Planning & Design